Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

via ALA's Office of Intellectual Freedom

Censorship

by the Numbers

Books unite us. They reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, divides us and creates barriers. In 2021, 1,597 books were affected by censorship attempts.

Who Initiates Challenges?

  • 39% Parents

  • 24% Patrons

  • 18% Board/ administration

  • 10% Political/religious groups

  • 6% Librarians/ teachers

  • 2% Elected officials

  • 1% Students

Where Do Challenges Take Place?

  • 44% School libraries

  • 37% Public libraries

  • 18% Schools

  • 1% Academic/Other

Books and Beyond

  • The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges | in 2021. Here's the breakdown:

  • 82% Books, graphic novels and textbooks

  • 5% Programs, meeting rooms

  • 4% Displays, exhibits

  • 2% Films

  • 7% Other (includes filtering, access, databases, magazines, online social media, music, pamphlets, student publications, reading lists)

Escaping Censorship

Below are escape rooms based on challenged or banned books. Choose one to escape!

Roald Dahl Digital Escape

Harry Potter Escape Room. 

Alice in Wonderland

Chronicles of Narnia

Hunger Games

The Hobbit